Woodstock Township board discusses installation of announcement sign

Woodstock Township may soon acquire a large outdoor sign to better inform its residents of special meetings and announcements.

Trustee Russ Elder said at Monday’s board meeting he recently spent time visiting other municipalities and examining notice boards to gain insight on what would best meet the township’s needs.

And, he said, it just so happens Napoleon Township in Jackson County is looking to sell its unused 4-by-8-foot lettered sign.

Woodstock Township officials were previously quoted new sign purchase and installations nearing $10,000, Elder said. He said he made a starter offer of $500 for the Napoleon Township sign, adding the township board there was to consider the offer at its meeting Tuesday.

Should the Napoleon Township Board accept the offer, the Woodstock Township Board would then vote in July whether or not to approve the expenditure.

Elder said having a sign will be of benefit to those who drive by and do not wish to stop and examine the door postings.

“It’s an excellent sign for the money,” Pepper said. He also said the Napoleon sign has a cover over the lettering slots “so kids can’t switch letters around like they love to do.”

The sign, if purchased, would need to be professionally set into the ground. Bendele Construction of Cement City submitted an offer to do so for $1,285.

Treasurer Teresa Votzke said she wants to see additional bids for the potential installation work. She also said the sign would help “ensure transparency” in communication between the township and its citizens.

Audience reaction was mixed over whether a sign would be beneficial or cost-effective to the township.

Don Esterline called the sign a “good idea” if it could be updated in a timely manner.

“Someone has to be committed to keeping the sign updated,” he said. Other audience members criticized the fact that the township website has not been generally updated since February, and that the sign purchase is not necessary if the township faithfully posts special meetings and other announcements on the door as required by law.